The Roca Team signed off the year in style with a statement victory on the road, overpowering FC Barcelona 90–74 at the Palau Blaugrana on the evening of Tuesday, December 30 to move into the EuroLeague top four. After beating Real Madrid in Monaco, the Roca Team backed it up with another heavyweight scalp, this time on Catalan soil, delivering one of their most complete performances of the season.
Facing a Barcelona side still firmly among Europe’s elite despite notable absences, Monaco took control early and never really let go. Solid on the boards, disciplined defensively and clinical in transition, Vassilis Spanoulis’ men dictated the tempo from the opening minutes. Mike James and Elie Okobo set the tone offensively, while Monaco’s defensive intensity consistently pushed Barça deep into the shot clock.
The visitors steadily built their lead through smart ball movement and constant pressure in the paint, punishing every lapse from the hosts. By half-time, Monaco had opened a clear gap, reflecting their dominance at both ends of the floor. Barcelona attempted to respond after the break, spurred on by the Palau crowd, but Monaco remained composed and answered each run with timely baskets.
Kevarrius Hayes was central to that control, delivering his most impressive EuroLeague performance in Monaco colours with 15 points, five rebounds and two blocks, anchoring the defence and providing a constant presence inside. Mike James once again led with authority in key moments, while the collective effort ensured Barcelona never seriously threatened a comeback.
Despite a charged atmosphere and growing frustration on the home bench, Monaco stayed focused through the final quarter, managing the game with maturity and closing it out without drama. The final margin underlined the scale of the performance.
With this commanding win, Monaco end the year firmly among the EuroLeague’s frontrunners, sending a clear message ahead of the business end of the season: the Roca Team are built to compete with Europe’s very best.
